General Dentistry

Whether you need a clean, checkup, fillings, root canal, implants, or other dentistry, at Emergency & General Dentist Bendigo all our procedures are painless and trauma-free. There’s no excuse for not getting your teeth attended to.

Prevention is the cornerstone of modern dentistry. Along with brushing, flossing, and dental hygiene, regular dental checkups are the only way to ensure your teeth last a lifetime so book an appointment with us today.

Missing Teeth

This is a relatively urgent concern for most people. Apart from the appearance, there’s more to losing a tooth than just the gap it leaves behind. The primary goal is to maintain all your teeth and correct them when necessary. Only if a tooth is already missing or beyond repair will a tooth be removed. Fortunately, there are many painless and cost-effective ways to do this.

You could be missing a tooth due to an accident or sporting injury. Sometimes, teeth die and are not restorable.

These are the compilations of a missing tooth or teeth:

Your other teeth have to do the work of the missing tooth

The teeth above and on either side become unstable and move to fill the gap

You tend to chew less on the side of your mouth with the gap

If the missing tooth is visible it could lead to increased self-consciousness or anxiety

A missing tooth could change your smile or facial shape

Having a missing tooth is not something anyone wants to endure. The sooner it is treated, the better. Delaying treatment could have adverse consequences as discussed above so if you find yourself with one or more missing teeth, get the problem attended to as soon as possible.

Emergency & General Dentist Bendigo’s tooth-replacement options include:

Implants – These are used for a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth

Bridges – When there is a gap caused by one or more teeth that are missing, a bridge is the best solution

Dentures – We use them for a full replacement or large section that needs replacement

The perfect solution will come down to several factors including the cause of the problem, how extensive it is, and the budget.

Our team is more than happy to answer any and all of your queries about these options and how they apply to you. We will guide you through the various options so that you can make an informed decision that works best for you. We care about your circumstances and have the expertise and experience to ensure the best outcome. Rest assured we only recommend what’s affordable and best for your long-term dental health care.

Gum Disease

Good dental health is largely dependent on healthy gums This is an aspect many people do not realise or neglect. Looking after your gums is equally as important as looking after your teeth. Certain medications, smoking, poor cleaning, poor health, hormonal issues, and genetics all contribute to gum problems.

Simply being aware of this is important. Ensure that you look after your gums as well as your teeth. Look out for possible concerns and have them checked as soon as you can.

Neglected gums can lead to other dental issues and are often rather painful and unpleasant.

Your gums serve a variety of purposes:

Gums are the foundation of healthy teeth

They form a seal that acts as a barrier against bacteria

They cushion, support, and protect your teeth when chewing

The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque build-up. This must be treated urgently as neglecting it can lead to many other issues. Early identification and treatment can drastically reduce the risk of long-term issues.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Redness, tenderness, puffiness, or swelling
• A receding gum line that makes your teeth look longer
• A bad taste in your mouth

• Bleeding after brushing and flossing
• Bad breath
• Soreness around the gums

None of the symptoms are pleasant and all the more reason to address the issue soonest. Apart from the pain and potential long-term damage, bad breath and the nasty taste in the mouth are not something anyone wants. We want you to smile with confidence and this includes having healthy gums.

While brushing your teeth and gums and cleaning between your teeth is essential it is not always successful. Gum disease also has a genetic component. If your parents suffer from gum disease, chances are you will, too. Take every step you can to reduce the risk of gum disease and if you note any of the above symptoms, have them looked at as a matter of urgency.  The sooner you identify and treat the issue the less damage will be done and the easier it will be to treat.

Tooth Wear

Your teeth are covered in a layer of enamel. This layer is there to protect your teeth, but it often becomes compromised or reduced for various reasons. Tooth wear is something to watch out for! This is because it takes place slowly and is the hardest to spot and the easiest to ignore.

Chewing, soft drinks, and excessively hard brushing wear away the protective layer of enamel. This exposes the softer, more vulnerable dentin underneath. Over time, as your teeth erode or chip away, they get weaker and more susceptible to cracking and breaking.

The primary reasons for tooth wear are:

• Abrasion – Incorrect or excessive brushing, external objects in the mouth, and chewing hard items can lead to abrasion
• Attrition – Grinding your teeth (Bruxism) or repeatedly chewing hard items will lead to attrition. Grinding is often a subconscious habit and often happens as you sleep
• Erosion – Acidic foods and beverages can cause continuous erosion

Cola and carbonated drinks are a major factor in erosion. Even “healthy” drinks such as orange juice are also culprits. These liquids or food gradually eat away at your teeth and cause them to decay.

The results of such erosion will mean that your teeth have less strength and become more brittle and more susceptible to chipping or breaking. For the long-term health of your teeth, you want to reduce erosion and treat it as it occurs.

Apart from the physical appearance, your teeth will likely become more sensitive to hot and cold or simply be painful. It might impact your physical appearance and even alter your speech. These are symptoms nobody wants to endure.

No matter how badly worn your teeth are, Emergency & General Dentist Bendigo can assess the damage and suggest a range of treatments to restore your teeth to their former glory. Once the process is done, you will be grateful for the treatment. It is simple and easy and again, we will guide you on the best options for your needs.

Fillings

Possibly the most common procedure you will experience at the dentist is a filling. Even with good care, cavities do occur, and a quality filling will prevent the damage from getting worse or spreading. Most people will experience cavities from time to time. What is important is that you attend to them before they become a major issue. A cavity is easy to address and quick and painless. If you neglect it, it might become painful and unsightly. It can cause bad breath and could also be extremely painful.

It is a case of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So sure, a filling is a “cure”but getting it done early on will eliminate the risk of more intensive and expensive solutions down the line.

We ensure that fillings are painless and effective. The process is quick and easy and you will be done before you know it. Neglecting a tooth that needs a filling will make the process more difficult and possibly result in difficulty eating as well as pain.

Fillings no longer mean large clumps of silver-grey material. With advances in medical technology and improved materials, there is no cavity so large or irregular it can’t be seamlessly and invisibly filled. The sooner the filling is done the better. There is a range of filling solutions, and we are proficient in finding the best treatment for your situation.

So, if you have your regular checkup and need the odd filling, do not stress. The point is that you have treated what could be a big problem early. There is nothing wrong with the odd filling as it will enhance the health of your teeth.

Using 3D imaging, our team can ‘print’ ceramic inlays that precisely and perfectly match your teeth.

Tooth Decay and the Problem with Plaque

Tooth decay is normally associated with pain, often extreme pain. It also leads to unsightly teeth. The longer plaque is allowed to build up the more difficult it is to remove. Once the damage is done, it is a challenge to correct and fix.

The condition is not unusual, and most people will go through the experience. Early treatment is key to reducing the impact of this dental health issue.  

Plaque – the sticky bacteria that attacks tooth enamel – is insidious. The problem with plaque is that it’s painless so you don’t notice the damage until it’s significant and drastic measures are required to offset it.

This comes back to prevention being better than cure. Plaque is inevitable, especially with most modern diets. While you can reduce the risk or treat it at home, there is no better way to deal with this issue than a reputable local dentist. We will help to remove the plaque buildup as well as guide you to keep it to a minimum.

It bears repeating that regular check-ups not only save your teeth but also save you money. Avoid the pain and discomfort by contacting our local specialists. Some might say that tooth decay is preventable. That is not the full story. Sure, lifestyle choices, foods, and drinks might add to the problem. Poor dental hygiene will not help. Some people are, however, predisposed to dental issues. What is important is that you control, what you can, clean and floss regularly, and let the experts help and advise you.

Holistic Dentistry

While treatment is the cornerstone of our business, we tend to take a more holistic approach to oral care and dentistry. This approach is more about your lifestyle choices and general health. We are well-versed in treating not only the symptoms but the possible causes of dental issues. It encompasses preventative measures as well as treatment that is safe and environmentally friendly. We reduce the use of excessive x-rays, plastics, and other potentially harmful practices.

Holistic dentistry is not some new-age concept and is based on scientific studies conducted by educated experts. It simply means treating the patient entirely and not focusing on fixing one issue. The long-term benefits are amazing.   

One of the first steps was to stop the use of amalgam which is mercury. Modern practices and technology allow us to practice effective dentistry without using harmful materials. It does not end there.

We are committed, in our own small way, to allaying climate change and helping the environment as we treat you. With that in mind, we support:

Separators that remove amalgam particles from wastewater, reducing the amount that enters the sewage system

Energy-saving systems that reduce our carbon footprint

Low-radiation digital X-rays and imaging

Avoiding the use of plastics at every opportunity

Wisdom Teeth

The extraction of wisdom teeth is sometimes considered unnecessary and often thought of as a painful procedure. Neither is true. We are not all the same and neither are our teeth. The removal of wisdom teeth is often essential or sometimes just the best option for the future of your dental development.

A simple removal of wisdom teeth can be done in the chair with a local anesthetic. If you have a specific issue or have multiple wisdom teeth removed at the same time, it can be done under a general anaesthetic. Each case is different, and we will evaluate your condition and advise on the most effective and painless treatment.

One tends to experience concerns with wisdom teeth between the ages of 15 and 24 but it can happen earlier or later. If your dentist is keeping a close watch on the development of these teeth, they can advise you. In general, it is better to have them removed when you are younger, if it is necessary.

Some people never experience issues with their wisdom teeth and never need to have them removed. If they are an issue, the longer they are left unattended, the more difficult the procedures will be. If you have any concerns, please give us a call and we can give you the correct advice. Do not assume that you have to have your wisdom teeth removed as many people have healthy teeth without this procedure. If you have concerns, consult a professional.

Wisdom teeth are, in most cases, relics of the past. As we’ve evolved, our jaws have got smaller while our wisdom teeth haven’t, leading to some serious overcrowding.

Emergency & General Dentist Bendigo conducts a thorough, in-house radiographic investigation of each case beforehand. We use X-rays and computer-aided tomography to capture 3D imagery of the soft tissue, nerve pathways, teeth, and bones. Then we will do a consultation and advise on the available options as well as the associated costs.

It is quite normal to be anxious about wisdom tooth extraction but, with us, you are in good hands. We have the expertise and experience to ensure the process is as painless as possible. It is always better to know what needs to be done and take the necessary actions sooner rather than later. Leaving problematic wisdom teeth too long will make the extraction more difficult and can lead to other compilations.

In most cases, you will be fully recovered in a day or two.

Mouth Guards

We are as passionate about prevention as we are about treatment when it comes to your teeth. No one should play contact sports without a mouthguard. Even from an early age, you must use an effective mouthguard for any form of contact sport.

It’s important here to note that off-the-shelf mouthguards are not up to the job. While they are better than nothing, they are not entirely effective.  A mouthguard that doesn’t fit properly won’t protect your teeth. They need to be custom-built, made from a mold of your teeth so that they fit your mouth precisely.

It is certainly not a case of one size fits all. With our experience and expertise, we take the time and effort to create a customised mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly. We use the latest technology and equipment, combined with our training and years of perfecting this process, to deliver the ultimate protection for your mouth and teeth. We can’t promise to improve your game but if you take a knock or two, you will be better off with the right mouth guard.

We can assist you with that to reduce the risk of damage to your teeth. Prevention, once again, is better than cure.

Sleep Apnea

When the muscles in your throat interfere with your breathing while asleep, you might experience sleep apnea. This is a serious condition that requires assistance from professionals. It is extremely disruptive for you and your partner and can result in multiple negative health concerns. You literally stop breathing for several seconds at a time. That is not healthy.

Ignoring sleep apnea can have dire consequences. These include:

• Sleep deprivation
• Chronic fatigue
• A loss of concentration
• An increased likelihood of car accidents
• An increased likelihood of workplace accidents

• Negative effect on your relationship
• Choking and gasping for air during the night
• Waking up tired
• Snoring
• Waking up with a headache

The remedy for sleep apnea is a device like a mouth guard that gently pushes your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open. Again, this is something our specialists are able to assist you with. We have vast experience in treating Sleep Apnea and the solution to your problem is easier than you may think. Once you have the answer you will wonder why you suffered for so long.

In some cases, lifestyle choices might help to reduce the condition, but this takes time and effort. While we still recommend a healthy lifestyle, you need to address sleep apnea urgently.

Thanks to modern science and technology, we can quickly and easily remedy this problem so that you, and your partner, can enjoy a good night’s sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and energetic.

Crowns

Dental crowns have come a long way in recent decades. They are, in many cases, the perfect solution to a dental problem. When done correctly, they look perfect, are comfortable, and should last many years.

A dental crown is an invisible prosthesis that fully restores the tooth. They’re made from a variety of materials overlaid with ceramic to give them a natural, authentic look. Dedicated techniques and materials bond the crown to the tooth, making it secure and stable. To this end, 3D imaging is often used to ensure a perfect fit.

Gold crowns are often used as they are durable but ceramic crowns can be made to match your teeth so that the work is unnoticeable. They are comfortable and tough. Modern technology and techniques have made the application of crowns easier and more effective.

We are well-versed in creating the perfect dental crown, where necessary. It will restore your tooth or teeth to their former glory, allowing you to smile with confidence. The procedure is simple and need not cost a fortune. It is painless and does not take too long.

If a tooth is otherwise beyond saving, a crown is often the most effective and affordable solution. They can even be used on teeth that are severely damaged and otherwise beyond saving. It is a good alternative to a bridge or an implant.

Root Canals 

The dreaded root canal used to be synonymous with excruciatingly painful dental procedures but not anymore. With the correct techniques and the right anesthesia, it’s completely painless. You might feel some mild discomfort afterward for a day or two. This is easily managed with an over-the-counter analgesic.

The first sign that you might need a root canal is acute pain. Our professionals will advise on the best treatment. A root canal is an effective way to save the tooth without the need for a crown or implant. When you have advanced tooth decay that has worked its way deep into the tooth, down to the nerves, it is often the best or only solution. The depth of the problem and the fact that it hits the sensitive nerves is the reason for the often excruciating pain.

This area is normally protected by the tooth and is sterile. When decay progresses to this stage, bacteria enter the damaged area which adds to the problem and the pain. We will treat this professionally and painlessly, however, with regular checkups and treatment, such procedures can generally be avoided. When a problem is detected early, a simple filling can be done to prevent extensive decay. 

Such advanced decay is painful and uncomfortable but can also harm your overall health. The infection, if left untreated, can spread, and cause you to be ill. You must have it seen to immediately.

When bacteria have reached the nerve, a root canal procedure removes the infected nerve, sterilises the area, and seals it with a filling.

For any of your general dentistry concerns, cleaning, checkups, fillings, and other issues, do not hesitate to contact our professionals at Emergency & General Dentist Bendigo.